Clothing Recommendations for Outdoor Learning
Special thanks to those who helped put these resources together: Tandy Morton, Wild Child Facilitator; and Breanna Piccolotto, Strive Project Associate
General Recommendations for Outdoor Play in Canadian Winters
- On days warmer than -10°C wearing regular clothing under a snowsuit will be fine.
- When the weather is colder that -10°C, clothing should be layered:
- Layer 1: close to the skin and fits snugly. Long sleeved and long pant Athletic wear, fleece lined tights, synthetic tank tops, fleece/silk pyjamas all work. No cotton.
- Layer 2: warm sweaters, especially fleece or wool, warm athletic pants or fleece pants, pajamas, yoga pant
- Layer 3: waterproof/water resistant snow suit.
- In winter cotton absorbs sweat and makes you feel cold. Do not wear cotton in Canadian winters, especially if you plan to be outside for long periods of time.
- Wear several layers of clothing that fit comfortably, and take off the outer layers if you start to get too warm. Put them back on if you start to feel cold. On really cold days wear more layers.
- Do not wear so many layers, especially for socks, that you restrict blood flow. That will also make you feel cold.
Recommend Daily Clothing for Outdoor Play in Canadian Winters
The following lists are recommended clothing items for outer and inner layers for daily outdoor play. Most clothing can be left out indoors to dry, therefore most items do not require multiple sets.
Specific Clothing Item Recommendations - Outer Layer
Item | How Many? | Things to Look For | Things to Avoid | Examples |
Hat | 1 |
|
|
Toques, beanies, balaclavas |
Neck warmer | 1 |
|
Scarf, fleece neck gator | |
Coat |
1 |
|
|
Ski jackets, snowsuit jackets |
Snowpants | 1 |
|
|
Pants labelled ski or snow pants, Bib-snow pants |
Boots | 1 |
|
|
|
Mitts/Gloves | 2 pairs |
|
|
Specific Clothing Recommendations - Inner Layers
Item |
How Many? |
Things to Look For |
Things to Avoid |
Examples |
Socks |
1 pair per recess + 1 extra pair) |
|
|
|
Mid-layer or second layer Pants |
1 pair |
|
|
|
Base layer pants |
1 pair |
|
|
|
Mid-layer or second layer tops |
1-2 (2 when very cold) |
|
|
|
Base-layer top |
1 |
|
|
|
Low to No Cost Retailers/Charities/Organizations for Children’s Clothing in London and Area
These are only a few options that are available. There are also larger retailers, such as Goodwill, who offer clothing at a lower cost. This list focused on no cost options. It is highly recommended that everyone calls or emails prior to using these services due to COVID-19 precautions.
Name and Contact Information |
Fee |
Program Information |
LIFE*SPIN- Free Store |
Free/No Cost |
LIFE*SPIN relieves poverty through hosting a Free Store at 872 Dundas Street. It accepts and distributes donations of new or clean used clothing, household items, toys, sporting equipment, books, tools, etc. |
519-452-1466 Email Languages: English, Arabic, German, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, & Turkish Physically Accessible: Yes |
Free/No Cost |
Coordinates and develops basic needs services for residents of the Boullee, Huron and surrounding communities, mainly Northeast London (N5Y and N5V postal code areas). Programs include baby food and diaper bank, community clothing cupboard, food cupboard, monthly food depot. Support is also provided through advocacy, referrals, and programming that helps develop skills and promotes self-sufficiency. (NOTE: Staff speak listed languages but services not consistently available in all languages) |
Boys and Girls Club of London |
Membership or visitor fee
|
Offers affordable recreational, social, & educational programming for children and youth that promote physical and emotional well-being. Specifically, Boys and Girls Club of London has a program called Koats for Kids, which distributes coats to children in need every year in mid/late fall. *Call for specific dates and times of distribution * Proof of age of children is required* |
Keeping Kids Warm |
Free/No Cost |
This organization organizes volunteers who knit hats, scarves, and mittens for street youth and other people in need. These items are distributed by select youth services, including London schools. Due to COVID-19, many organizations have changed how they are providing services or may be temporarily closed. Call, or check the service website, for additional information. |
Women’s Rural Resource Centre of Strathroy and Area - Community Cupboard, Community Garden, & Access to Clothing |
Free/No Cost |
This organization offers several different programs. For clothing services, one is the Holiday Hamper Program. This program supports women and their families during the holiday time. Hampers are to be filled with items on the family's wish list and grocery store gift cards also recommended. Call 519-246-1526 or email [email protected] for more information. This organization also offers vouchers for clothing and household items available at no cost for women accessing other services. |
Diaper Bank of London |
Free/No Cost |
Collects unused diapers and distributes to local agencies for families in need. To donate or volunteer, call or email. For people in need of diapers, contact a partnering agency. Partnering Agencies: Atlohsa Native Family Healing Services, Anova (on request), Birthright London, Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre, London Pregnancy & Family Support Centre, Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre, Rotholme Women's and Family Shelter, Single Women in Motherhood, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Northwest London Resource Centre, Autism London, Life Spin |
Special Thanks to:
Tandy Morton, Wild Child Facilitator
Breanna Piccolotto, Strive Project Associate